The effects of a supervised Pilates training program on balance in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Pilates therapy improves core muscle function and axial stability but its effects on balance in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) have not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Pilates exercise program on postural stability and balance confidence in people with IPD. Ten IPD patients (Hoehn & Yahr Stage 1-3) with a history of falls or nearfalls had the following assessments before and after completion of a 6-week supervised Pilates exercise program: Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC); Berg Balance Scale (BBS); Schwab and England Scale (SES); Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS); pull-test; timed-up-and-go (TUG); 5-metre wal..